Multiple agencies are investigating a fatal officer-involved shooting that occurred Wednesday in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The shooting resulted in the death of Da’Quain Johnson, 32.
While the Grand Rapids Police Department (GRPD) has released limited body camera and in-car footage, Johnson’s family is disputing key aspects of the department’s public statements regarding the incident.
What Police Have Released So Far
On Thursday, GRPD released limited body camera footage related to the shooting.
In the footage:
- An officer instructs another officer to “grab his right arm.”
- The officer states, “I’ve got the dog, dog’s good.”
- A K-9 appears to have Johnson’s left arm in its mouth during part of the footage.
- Another officer states, “He’s got a f***ing gun in his hand.”
- Both officers yell for Johnson to drop the gun.
- Three gunshots are heard before the video ends.
A firearm is not clearly visible in the footage released by the department.
Police Statement
Grand Rapids Police Chief Eric Winstrom stated during a press conference the day after the shooting that officers were responding to reports—possibly an officer-initiated call—that Johnson had a gun.
In-car camera footage released by the department shows a patrol vehicle pursuing Johnson while he was riding a bicycle.
Chief Winstrom also stated that:
- A handgun was recovered at the scene.
- Johnson was shot in the chest.
- Johnson had already been transported to the hospital by the time he arrived at the scene.
The officers involved in the shooting have not been publicly identified. Their legal counsel, Marc Curtis of Norton Shores, has not released additional details beyond representation.
Bystander Video Circulating Online
A bystander video of the shooting has circulated online and has been widely shared, including by Kent County Commissioner Robert Womack. The video has not been officially verified by authorities.
In the bystander footage:
- Johnson appears face-down on the ground.
- His hands appear positioned behind his back.
- An officer appears to fire from above while Johnson is on the ground.
- The K-9 appears to continue biting Johnson after shots are fired.
Family’s Account
Johnson’s mother publicly disputed the department’s description of the shooting.
During a press conference held Friday alongside Commissioner Womack, she stated that she had viewed her son’s body and alleged that:
- Johnson was shot in the back of the head.
- He sustained injuries consistent with a K-9 bite to the neck.
- His hands appeared to have been held behind his back at the time he was shot.
These claims directly conflict with Chief Winstrom’s statement that Johnson was shot in the chest.
Body camera footage released thus far does not clearly show Johnson’s back or the position of his hands at the moment shots were fired.
Commissioner Womack also stated that it did not appear Johnson was pulling out a gun before being shot.
Ongoing Investigations
City Manager Mark Washington stated that multiple layers of review are underway to ensure impartiality.
- An independent investigation by the Michigan State Police is underway.
- The Kent County Prosecutor’s Office will conduct a review.
- GRPD administrative staff will review the incident.
- The Office of Oversight and Public Accountability will conduct oversight review.
Oversight and Public Accountability Managing Director Brandon Davis stated that the office remains committed to transparency and accountability while respecting the integrity of the ongoing investigation.
Chief Winstrom also indicated that additional body camera footage from responding officers will be released after review and redaction.
Current Status
At this time:
- The shooting remains under investigation.
- Officers involved have not been publicly identified.
- A firearm was reportedly recovered at the scene.
- Conflicting accounts remain regarding the location of Johnson’s gunshot wound.
- Additional footage is pending release.
Cop Talk LIVE will update this article as further verified information becomes available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was a gun recovered at the scene?
Chief Winstrom stated that a handgun was recovered.
What do police say about the gunshot wound?
Police stated Johnson was shot in the chest.
What does the family claim?
Johnson’s mother stated he was shot in the back of the head and that his hands were restrained behind him.
Who is investigating the shooting?
The Michigan State Police, Kent County Prosecutor, GRPD administration, and the Office of Oversight and Public Accountability are reviewing the incident.
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